Meet Melissa Green | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for my business, Grounds4Cause, was born out of a deeply personal and passionate vision. I wanted to create more than just a business; I wanted to build a platform that could have a lasting impact on our society and support the communities that matter most to me.

The concept of Southern, Sweet & Sassy Coffee®️ and Rise Above Coffee®️ emerged from a desire to cater to two important communities: Military Families and the LGBTQ+ community. These are groups that hold significant importance in my life, and I wanted to offer them more than just products – I wanted to create a sense of belonging, support, and empowerment.

My motivation went beyond financial success; I wanted to establish a legacy that my kids could continue, one that would reflect the values I hold dear. Grounds4Cause isn’t just about coffee; it’s about leaving a positive mark on our nation. I believe that a business can be a force for good, and I wanted to channel that belief into tangible actions.

The decision to support nonprofits that provide services and support to these communities was a natural extension of my mission. By doing so, I aimed to amplify the positive impact of my business beyond just the products I offer. Every cup of coffee sold represents a contribution to a larger purpose – the betterment of the lives of those in the Military Families and LGBTQ+ communities.

In essence, Grounds4Cause is my way of blending personal passion with a commitment to social responsibility. It’s a journey of building a business that not only provides quality products but also fosters a sense of unity, support, and empowerment. With every step, I strive to ensure that my business makes a meaningful and lasting difference, leaving a positive stamp on our nation for generations to come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Coffee That Inspires Change!

Greetings! I’m Melissa Green, the Founder & CEO of Grounds4Cause, and I’m thrilled to share our unique journey with you. At Grounds4Cause, we’re more than just a coffee company; we’re a movement for positive change.

We take immense pride in delivering delicious coffee and a meaningful purpose. Our mission revolves around giving back to two vital communities – the LGBTQ+ and Military Family communities. This intersection of passion and purpose sets us apart in the world of coffee.

Having served in the US Navy and as a Military Spouse, I deeply understand the significance of community and connection. I believe that a simple act like sharing a cup of coffee has the power to foster empathy and understanding among people.

In January 2021, we introduced Southern, Sweet & Sassy®️ Coffee, with a dedicated focus on supporting military families. The tremendous support and response we received drove us to push boundaries further and create a brand that also champions the LGBTQ+ community.

In January 2022, Rise Above Coffee®️ was born – a brand entirely committed to raising awareness and support for LGBTQ+ causes. Both S3 Coffee Co and Rise Above Coffee®️ are built on our #coffeeforacause initiative. Each year, we carefully select 12 LGBTQ+ and military family-focused nonprofits to highlight. Every month, we feature one nonprofit from each community and contribute a portion of our sales directly to their cause.

At Grounds4Cause, we aim to offer more than just coffee; we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive community. We take great pride in being a brand that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.

I’m most proud of our collaboration with Retail Therapy AZ and the relationships we’ve built for wholesaling. Our commitment to delivering the freshest coffee is unparalleled – we roast our beans upon order, ensuring every sip is an experience of freshness and flavor.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced challenges and embraced pivots, including rebranding from “Badass Coffee Causes” due to legal reasons. This journey has strengthened us, resulting in a brand that’s even more compelling and genuine.

What we want the world to know about Grounds4Cause is that we’re a company woven with passion and purpose. We’re Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Military Spouse Owned, Woman Owned, Latina Owned, and LGBTQ+ Owned. We stand wholeheartedly for helping others, and we invite you to join us on our mission of change through every sip of our inspiring coffee.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. Hike down to the South Rim and take in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, drive to Sedona and check into your hotel. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Sedona’s many fine restaurants in the evening.

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Sedona’s red rocks. Go hiking, biking, or rock climbing. In the afternoon, visit one of Sedona’s many vortexes. In the evening, take a scenic drive on the Sedona Loop Road.

Day 3: Drive to Phoenix and visit the Heard Museum. This museum houses a collection of Native American art and artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the Phoenix Zoo. This zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world.

Day 4: Drive to Scottsdale and visit the Scottsdale Fashion Square. This outdoor mall is home to over 250 stores and restaurants. In the afternoon, go horseback riding in the McDowell Mountains. Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of Scottsdale’s many spas in the evening.

Day 5: Drive to Tucson and visit the Saguaro National Park—hike among the towering saguaro cacti. In the afternoon, visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens. This garden features plants from all over the world.

Day 6: Drive to Tombstone and experience the Wild West. Visit the Boothill Graveyard and the OK Corral. In the afternoon, take a ghost tour of the town. In the evening, enjoy a steak dinner at one of Tombstone’s many saloons.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Jai Salters, Donnell Johns, and Monica Fullerton for their incredible work in supporting veterans and their families.

Jai Salters is the founder and CEO of ACT Now Education, a nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities to veterans and their families. ACT Now Education has helped thousands of veterans earn their degrees and get the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

Donnell Johns is the founder and CEO of Veterans Grow America, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans start and grow businesses. Veterans Grow America has helped hundreds of veterans launch successful businesses, creating jobs and economic opportunities for veterans and their families.

Monica Fullerton is the founder and CEO of Spouse-ly, a website and community for military and first responder spouses. Spouse-ly provides a platform to grow small businesses, support, resources, and networking opportunities, helping them to thrive in their unique and challenging roles.

These are just a few examples of the many amazing people who are working to support veterans and their families. I am grateful for their dedication and commitment to making a difference.

Thank you, Jai, Donnell, and Monica, for all that you do!

Website: https://grounds4cause.com

Instagram: @s3coffeeco | @riseabovecoffee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-sweet-sassy | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/rise-above-coffee | https://www.linkedin.com/company/grounds4cause

Facebook: @s3coffeeco | @riseabovecoffee

Other: Spouse-ly: https://spouse-ly.com/store/grounds4cause/ Retail Therapy AZ: https://retailtherapyaz.com/